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Since FIFA selected MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, work has begun behind the scenes to ensure the match goes off without a hitch.
Responsible for all this paperwork are members of the organizing committee, which is responsible for coordinating between local and state governments and FIFA, the World Cup’s organizing body. The 2026 event will feature one in each of 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The regional team leaders, Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, have been working on this together for years.
Mr. LaRusso previously served in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration, serving as general counsel for the department. She worked with 17 different authorities, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. Mr. Rebman worked for the New York City Tourism Bureau. The two companies joined forces when a partnership was established to pursue the opportunity to host matches and possibly the finals during the 2026 tournament.
Mr Murphy said Mr LaRusso was a “great advocate” for the region and “her expertise was essential to ensuring our region reached the World Cup finals”.
“Lauren and Bruce Rebman are undoubtedly the best people to lead this responsibility and I am confident that the more than one million people visiting the region in 2026 will ensure they enjoy the FIFA World Cup. ,” Murphy said.
How does the hosting committee work?
The host committee is modeled after the one used in the area when the Super Bowl came to town in 2014. The commission is a New Jersey 501(c)6 nonprofit organization and is managed by a board of directors who were instrumental in hiring LaRusso and Rebman. .
This board has three members. Wesley Mathews is also the President and CEO of ChooseNJ. Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York Tourism and Conventions. and Zakiyah Smith-Ellis, a former policy adviser to Mr. Murphy.
So far, the organizing committee has focused on educating FIFA officials about the region’s appeal before deciding to host the final in New Jersey. As a result of this decision, the Commission will begin on-the-ground efforts to coordinate between FIFA and the cities of New Jersey and New York. This includes everything from overseeing MetLife renewals and renovations to planning transportation issues with New Jersey Transit and the fan experience.
LaRusso said in a statement that the organizing committee is “overjoyed that the biggest game in the world will be played on the biggest stage in the world.”
“Now that the match schedule has been finalized, we can now execute the logistics of the event, including security, transportation, training facilities and the FIFA Fan Festival,” she said. “We are also raising funds to make this possible. In line with our commitments, we are relying primarily on private sources.”
What you need to know:The 2026 World Cup Final will officially be held at MetLife Stadium.
How much does it cost to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals?
And that work can cost a lot of money. Gov. Phil Murphy said the tournament could generate billions of dollars for the region’s economy, but was less direct about how much it would cost.
Canadian officials previously estimated that hosting the 2026 World Cup would cost between $240 million and $300 million. In 1994, this event was estimated to have cost the United States approximately $500 million.
The governor said both New Jersey City and New York City will provide support, which he said “means not just balance sheet support, but support on the service side.” “The private sector will account for the bulk of the support,” he said, adding that “the net benefit will be overwhelmingly positive.”
Raising this money will be up to the host committee, and although the government will be heavily involved, it will be a public-private partnership with support from private companies. The committee will focus on companies based in the region.
Financial impact:While funding issues remain, Murphy estimates World Cup impact on New Jersey at $2 billion.
The funds will be used for buses, the local airport and signage throughout the area, as the committee anticipates an increase in tourism to the area as fans who don’t have tickets will be able to take part in the experience. is.
This is in addition to the funds already spent by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to develop the stadium.
The agency has already received $30 million to plan the design and improvement of the stadium and surrounding grounds, and more than $16 million in taxpayer funding for work at the East Rutherford venue, including how many games and which games will be played there. I paid before I even knew if it was going to happen. This $30 million will also be applied to his $5 million revolving loan to the hosting committee.
Approximately $35 million is also being spent by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to design a new transportation route from Secaucus to the stadium.
It’s just physical infrastructure. Resources beyond the balance sheet, such as security, must be provided and paid for as well. The governor said last week that New York state would support it.
However, there is still no formal legal agreement with partners across the river.
ticket:How to view the 2026 World Cup, with the final being played at MetLife Stadium
Focusing on fan experience becomes important
However, the host committee’s responsibility goes beyond fundraising. The committee will also focus on efforts to ensure a positive experience for both fans from the region and those who visit from around the world.
“We are working to ensure that all communities across the five boroughs of New York City and the Garden State can enjoy the incredible economic and cultural benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” said Rebman. “We have plans to have fan zones all over the region, from Queens to South Jersey.”
Fan events are already being prepared at Liberty State Park and in each of the five boroughs, as the region has more than 20 million residents and the stadium only has space for about 80,000 people. A viewing party for the finals in Central Park is also planned. Not to mention tourists.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey State Legislature. Email: sobko@northjersey.com
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